Sport

Ramshaw to make Darlington return

Darlington expect to bolster their midfield options today by bringing Gateshead midfielder Rob Ramshaw back to the club on loan.

The 20-year-old was a product of Quakers' youth system under Craig Liddle at The Northern Echo Arena, one of several teenagers to make the breakthrough during the torrid 2011-12 campaign.

Dale Hopson, also now back at Quakers, was also given a run in the first team during the season in which Ramshaw, a central midfielder, made 11 appearances, seven as a sub.

He joined Gateshead in the summer of 2012 and made his Conference debut earlier this season, but has found himself on the fringes of the Heed first team recently.

Gateshead boss Gary Mills has been conducting a mid-season squad makeover, though he says Ramshaw is moving to Quakers in order to play games.

"Rob Ramshaw's going to Darlington for a month," said Mills, who earlier this month released defender Joe Tait and he also returned to Darlington.

"It was a difficult one for me but I just think he needs to go and get some games.

"Then, hopefully, he'll come back after the month a lot sharper. He's been a little bit disappointed not to be involved a bit more than he has.

"He's a lad with a great future but he needs to go and get some games."

Ramshaw joins on loan for a month and it is understood there is an option of extending the agreement should the move prove beneficial.

Promotion-chasing Darlington have four games in February, beginning with tomorrow's trip to tenth-placed Kendal Town, which is under the threat of the wet weather which is forecast today and tomorrow.

The match referee will inspect the pitch tomorrow morning before Quakers set off for what is a rearranged game, the fixture originally due to have been played on January 1 before being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

While Ramshaw arrives, Quakers boss Martin Gray has made Paul Weldon available for transfer.

The former Middlesbrough left-back began the season in the team, but has suffered an injury-ravaged campaign with knee and ankle problems keeping him on the sidelines for lengthy spells.